For $99, you can now get a pair of frames with single-vision polycarbonate lens in our Optical Shop. This is a good deal if you don't have insurance that would cover glasses, or if you want a second pair. (Anti-glare coating and progressive would be additional charges, and this offer can't be combined with insurance or discounts.)

You can conveniently fit eye care visits into your schedule, plus check out our fantastic variety of new glasses frames. Plus, we are now an in-network provider for Davis Vision, and the only Davis provider located on central campus!

Services: In the Eye Care Clinic, optometrists perform routine eye exams, dispense contact lenses and detect eye disease. These doctors of optometry specialize in examination, diagnosis and treatment of impairment and disease of the visual system. Treatment may include prescription of medicine, glasses, contact lenses, other optical aids or vision therapy.

The Optical Shop maintains a large and complete selection of frames. In addition, a complete line of sunglasses, reading glasses, sports, recreational and protective eyewear is available at competitive prices.

What happens during an eye exam? A comprehensive eye exam begins with a complete health history. Allergies, chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes), prescription and non-prescription drugs and health conditions such as high blood pressure can all affect vision. The optometrist will check the interior and exterior eye as well as the surrounding area for defects and disease, and assess the ability to see clearly at near and far distances, eye coordination, color vision, depth perception, refractive error and field of vision. Based on the results of this examination, the optometrist may prescribe medication, corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) or vision therapy as needed.

We recommend that you bring sunglasses to wear after your exam because your eyes may be sensitive to sun after dilation. We do provide disposable sunglasses for your use if you forget yours.

Most people can drive after a visual exam. However, if you are farsighted you may have visual impairment and would have to wait a few hours to drive. For this reason, you may wish to make transportation arrangements before your exam.

How often should I have my eyes checked? Eye examinations are an important part of preventive care.

Anyone with a history of vision problems should get routine eye exams.

If you experience squinting, blinking, rubbing eyes frequently, headaches, changes in vision or difficulty with visual concentration within arm's length, get an eye exam, because these may be signs of eye problems.

People who wear contact lenses should get an exam annually.

People in their mid-twenties to mid-thirties who do not wear contact lenses should get an exam every two years.

People in their mid-thirties and older should get an exam annually, because changes in vision and focus, along with eye diseases, are more likely to develop.

What visual aids are available at UHS?

Contact lenses have certain advantages over glasses. They allow a natural field of view since there are no frames to block side vision. Also, they move with the eye so that the wearer usually looks through the center of the lens where vision is the best. The keys to successful contact lens use are personal motivation, proper fit, proper lenses and continuous professional care.

Contact lenses are made of many materials but are usually classified as either soft or rigid (RGP). Talk with your eye doctor regularly about lens choice, which is determined by factors including:

Your eye health

Length of time you wish to wear lenses each day

Prescription needs (contact lenses are available for astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness and in bifocals)

Cost (rigid lenses may initially cost up to 50% more than soft, but they generally last longer and have smaller daily upkeep expenses)

Whether lenses are single use, bi-weekly use or monthly use

Whatever type of lens you wear, talk with your eye doctor about proper care and wear, which are critical to maintaining the quality of your eye health and vision.

Although lenses are available for overnight wear, UHS eye doctors strongly discourage wearing them overnight because of the dramatic increase in eye diseases related to extended-wear contacts.

Eye glasses: You can select frames to compliment your lifestyle. Not all lens sizes, tints and materials are appropriate for every person. The selection of the style, type and color of eye glasses should be made carefully and discussed with a professional eye wear dispenser. Should you have a prescription change, the Optical Shop can custom make new lenses to fit your current frames. Options include:

Sport and recreational glasses promote safety and comfort for a variety of sports.

Sunglasses help the eyes adapt to bright conditions. They should be worn to eliminate tearing, squinting and blinking, or to protect eyes during prolonged exposure to the sun. Sunglasses should not be worn at night (particularly when driving) because they reduce the amount of light entering the eyes and therefore decrease visual ability.

Occupational safety glasses protect the eyes from chemicals or other particles. They may be required for laboratory work or for work with some machinery.

What is vision training? Vision training refers to the use of exercises as a means of improving conditions that cannot be adequately treated with eye glasses or contact lenses alone (e.g. poor eye coordination/movement/focus, crossed eyes and lazy eyes). Training may include use of lenses, prisms, filters and activities designed to improve visual skills. These techniques may alleviate symptoms such as headaches around the eyes or back of neck, difficulty reading and sleepiness when doing close work.

How can I get a prescription for eye wear filled?

Contact lens prescriptions at UHS:

If you have a contact lens prescription from outside UHS that is less than one year old, we can fill your prescription. However we do not accept contact prescriptions from outside the US.

If you do not have a contact lens prescription that is less than one year old, you must first receive a complete vision exam through the Eye Care Clinic to ensure that the contact lenses fit correctly and there are no other eye problems or conditions that warrant further attention. For easy replacement of lenses and for consistency of care, we recommend that contact lens wearers establish a relationship with one of the optometrists.

UHS has partnered with Primaryecp.com to provide you easy online ordering for contacts. Please note:

You must be a patient of the UHS Eye Care Clinic.

Your contact lens prescription must have been written within the last year.

Prescriptions for regular glasses, sports and occupational eye wear are generally ready in a week, although special orders may take longer. You may fill your home doctor's prescription for glasses at the UHS Optical Shop. No appointment is needed.

How can I visit the Eye Care Clinic and Optical Shop? Call 734-764-8320 or stop by Appointment Scheduling (2nd floor).

Medical conditions such as conjunctivitis, acute visual disturbances, foreign bodies or injuries to the eye are considered urgent concerns, so please contact us right away. See Schedule an Appointment or Nurse Advice by Phone.

The Optical Shop is open Monday through Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM (except noon-1 PM) for walk-in visits. No appointment is needed for Optical Shop.

What fees and insurance apply?

For currently enrolled U-M students (i.e. taking regular classes on the Ann Arbor campus):

Routine eye exams are NOT covered by the health service fee, so students pay additional fees. Insurance may apply. Costs and insurance are described below.

Eye care for medical conditions (e.g. conjunctivitis, acute visual disturbances, foreign bodies or injuries to the eye) IS covered by the health service fee, so currently enrolled U-M students pay no additional fees.